Tour Type: Low Cost Escorted Tour
Duration: 15 Days
Tour Starts In: Wellington
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $4305 pp
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15 Day Ultimate South Island Touring Route:
Tour Description:
Breathtaking scenery you will just have to see to believe on this 15 Day Ultimate South Island coach holiday. From the snow capped Southern Alps in the South Island, impressive glaciers and stunning Milford Sound this coach tour showcases all the highlights the majestic South Island has to offer.
This popular 15 Day itinerary starts in Wellington and takes in the whole of the South Island visiting Nelson, the West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Dunedin including activities and locations not normally visited on a coach touring holiday. For the more intrepid traveller we have included the Hollyford Track Guided Walk as an option in lieu of the 3 night stay in Queenstown. During the course of your tour you will have free time in Nelson, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown and Dunedin so you can relax or choose one of the many diverse optional excursions available.
Tour Highlights:
Back to top |
Day
1 |
Arrive Wellington
Welcome to New Zealand! We will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel. Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel |
Day
2 |
Wellington – Blenheim – Nelson
Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it’s a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts. Stay: Leisure Lodge (2 nights) |
Day
3 |
Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park
Today is at your leisure, take the time to explore
the shops and art galleries which make Nelson
famous. If you would like to explore a little
more your Coach Captain will happily assist
with arranging activities for you. We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park. |
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Abel Tasman Day Trip Option
The Abel Tasman National Park is an
amazing part of New Zealand. With an
abundance of wildlife and pristine waters
you can choose from many walking options.
You board a launch that takes you along
the coastline, passing icons such as split
apple rock and a possible local seal or two. Additional cost $NZ 140 per person |
Day
4 |
Nelson – Greymouth
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery. Stay: Hotel Ashley |
Day
5 |
Greymouth – Franz Josef Glacier
Hugging the coastline of the West Coast, as
you come closer your view will be dominated by
the towering Southern Alps, highlighting your
journey to Franz Josef. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef |
Day
6 |
Franz Josef – Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. On arrival in Wanaka you’ll have a choice of activities
between a launch cruise that will take you across
the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve,
then an informative bush walk with refreshments.
Alternatively if adrenalin is what you are after
then experience an exhilarating jet boat ride
along the Clutha River.. Stay: Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort |
Day
7 |
Wanaka – Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group). Stay: Rydges Hotel (3 nights) |
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3 Day Hollyford Track Walk Option
This 3 day/2 night walk is a spectacular
journey, which takes in diverse scenery
from dense forest to untouched beaches.
The highlights are the walking back in time
through beech forests, crossing Fiordlands
longest swing bridge, jet boating along the
Hollyford River before finishing with a scenic
flight into Milford Sound to rejoin your group
on Day 10.
Additional cost $NZ 1,580 per person, twin share. Read More> |
Day
8
to
9 |
Queenstown At Leisure
The next two days are at your leisure whilst in
the adventure capital. You can either sit back,
relax or your Coach Captain is available to assist
with any optional activities you would like to do.
(B/D) (Dinner on Day 8 is not included allowing
the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your
choice.) |
Day
10 |
Queenstown – Milford Sound
Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. Stay: Milford Mariner |
Day
11 |
Milford Sound – Dunedin
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world
with a glimpse every so often of a passing seal
or penguin. You return to shore to follow the
rugged and remote mountains as they change to
lush green countryside as you approach Dunedin,
the ‘Edinburgh of the South.’ Tonight prior
to dinner you will be treated to a traditional
Scottish Haggis Ceremony. Stay: Cargills Hotel (2 nights) |
Day
12 |
Dunedin
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun! |
Day
13 |
Dunedin – Mt Cook
This morning visit Olveston House, Dunedin’s
majestic historic home. Travel north stopping to
view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore
Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing the
hydro lakes until you reach Mt Cook National
Park and village, amidst New Zealand’s highest
mountains. This afternoon visit the Tasman
Glacier where you will be amazed by the floating
icebergs in the nearby lake. Stay: Hermitage Hotel |
Day
14 |
Mt Cook – Christchurch
Visiting Lake Tekapo, view the Church of the Good
Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial. Continue
onto Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch for a city and surrounds tour. Stay: Pavilions Hotel |
Day
15 |
Depart Christchurch
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport to join your flight home. |
from NZ $4,305
15 Day Ultimate South Island
1
3.0
5
15 Day Ultimate South Island Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 15 Day Ultimate South Island . |
The 15 day tour was everything I hoped for and more! I was astounded by the the changing landscape and the extraordinary beauty of the South Island. I found the coach really comfortable and Trevor, our driver very competant and helpful. To anyone who is thinking about a tour of NZ, I would say 'stop thinking and just do it! You will never regret the decision.' From my experience earlier this year I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this tour as the way to go.
Heather Spicer (Australia)
Tour Date 09/04/2011 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Hot Seat Deals! Unbeatable Savings Exclusive to Relaxing Journeys!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Tour
Status |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 11 Feb 2012 |
25 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $4485 |
Save $180 |
NZ $4305 |
| 25 Feb 2012 |
10 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $4485 |
Save $180 |
NZ $4305 |
| 03 Mar 2012 |
17 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $4485 |
Save $180 |
NZ $4305 |
| 24 Mar 2012 |
07 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $4485 |
Save $180 |
NZ $4305 |
Note: Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart. The majority of departures above will proceed. We will confirm the status of your preferred departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
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Tour Options & Single Supplement:
Optional extras & single traveller supplement. |
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| Single Room Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $1,565 |
| Abel Tasman Day Walk |
Add |
NZ $140 |
| Hollyford Track Walk |
Add |
NZ $1,580 |
*Optional extra prices above are based on twin share.
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
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